Our choices for Tuesday’s elections: Endorsements

Tuesday’s elections will be the first for governor and some other state offices to be held under California’s “open” or “top-two” primary format, designed to reduce stubborn partisanship by putting Democratic and Republican candidates on the same ballot.

But any reform depends on voters to make it work. If turnout is as low as experts predict, the election will again be ruled by special-interest voters. This would be inexcusable in a year full of important races.

The Los Angeles News Group editorial board has not made an endorsement in every race. We have focused on races without incumbents and other highly competitive contests. Here is a digest of our recommendations.

GOVERNOR: JERRY BROWN >> Brown has earned a fourth and last term by reining in his fellow Democrats’ spending. The big question is which Republican will advance to face Brown in the November election. Neel Kashkari’s focus on economic issues makes him the better face for the state’s GOP.

SECRETARY OF STATE: PETE PETERSON >> Among four appealing candidates, the Republican Peterson would have the best chance to improve both the political and business climate. Democrat Alex Padilla is our second choice.

STATE CONTROLLER: ASHLEY SWEARENGIN >> Swearengin, the Republican mayor of Fresno, shows the best grasp of the role of California’s financial chief in fostering a healthy economy.

PROPOSITION 41: YES >> The measure would increase access to housing for California’s 2 million military veterans.

PROPOSITION 42: YES >> This state constitutional amendment would protect the Public Records Act from budget wranglings.

LOS ANGELES COUNTY SHERIFF: JIM MCDONNELL >> Perhaps the most important decision for L.A. County voters is who should succeed Lee Baca and try to clean up the Sheriff’s Department. McDonnell, the Long Beach police chief and former LAPD second-in-command, has the right problem-solving experience. Among the candidates from inside the department, Todd Rogers impressed the editorial board the most.

COUNTY ASSESSOR: JOHN MORRIS >> Morris, an assistant district attorney, has the strongest plan for reforming the assessor’s office. Current Assessor John Noguez is on paid leave while facing corruption charges.

1ST DISTRICT COUNTY SUPERVISOR: HILDA SOLIS >> In the election to succeed Gloria Molina, former congresswoman and U.S. labor secretary Solis is a shoo-in. To be effective, Solis will have to be more decisive and responsive to the San Gabriel Valley-centered district’s 2 million residents than she has appeared.

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3RD DISTRICT COUNTY SUPERVISOR: BOBBY SHRIVER >> The Board of Supervisors needs a change of style as term limits transform its lineup. The race to succeed Zev Yaroslavsky has a catalyst for change in Shriver, the Kennedy family scion, former Santa Monica mayor, and activist. The impatience he expresses with old county problems gives him the edge over impressive rivals Sheila Kuehl and John Duran.

55TH ASSEMBLY DISTRICT: STEVE TYE >> Tye, a Diamond Bar city councilman, is the best-poised of four candidates to succeed Assemblyman Curt Hagman. Tye is running on his ability to build consensus among constituents and fellow Republicans. He’s properly mad about legislative junkets and the high-speed-rail boondoggle.

32ND SENATE DISTRICT: MARIO GUERRA >> We strongly endorse Guerra, a Republican member of the Downey City Council. The moderate Guerra, an immigrant from Cuba as a child, is the kind of go-getting, California-first, non-ideological candidate we need more of. Both rock-ribbed GOPers and middle-of-the-road Democrats can feel comfortable with his positions, which revolve around jobs, not ideological posturing.

WHITTIER MEASURE W: YES >> This Whittier City Charter amendment creates four geographically based districts from which council members will be elected by residents of those districts to serve four-year terms, and establish an elected mayor to serve a two-year term.